On Dec. 13, 2002, Standard & Poor's Ratings Services assigned its 'AAA' rating to the proposed senior secured, fixed-rate bonds due 2036 to be issued by Exchequer Partnerships (No. 2) PLC (EP2). About ú166.0 million ($262.4 million) of debt is expected to be issued, with proceeds to be used for the refurbishment of the east wing of existing government office facilities at Great George Street, London (GOGGS), for senior policy officials and staff of HM Customs & Excise and Inland Revenue. (See the presale report entitled "Presale: Exchequer Partnerships (No.2) PLC" published today on RatingsDirect, Standard & Poor's Web-based credit analysis service. The report is also available on Standard & Poor's public Web site at www.standardandpoors.com; under Fixed Income in
